Sue McCabe @ Muttamorphosis Area: Tyne & Wear, North East Contact Details | Interview | Recommendations Interview with... Sue McCabe @ Muttamorphosis
What services do you offer?	After working in dog rescue for years, my aim is to help owners have a better relationship with their dogs, thus making both dog and owner happier. I offer a dog walking service for those who manage a busy family and working life. I offer one-on-one training and behaviour consultations for those who are experiencing challenges with their dogs. Also I run puppy classes to try to stop problems developing, problems which so often can be avoided with early intervention and training. My pet taxi service in a specially fitted van ensures pets are safely collected from or delivered to their groomers/vets/kennels/cattery etc. taking this extra worry from owners. Finally I deliver Burns high quality holistic dog and cat food to your door, ensuring your dog or cat always has a consistent and nutritious diet, as recommended by vets.
If you do dog sitting in your house, is your garden secure?	This is not currently a service I provide, but with certain known dogs who are also walking clients, I can offer short term boarding in my home. My garden is 100% secure as I have a houdini dog of my own.
If you do dog walking or dog sitting, how long are your walks with the dogs normally?	My walks last for one hour. All dogs within a certain radius are collect and delivered back. We travel to a quiet, safe country destination and they get to run free for an hour. The dogs that are picked up first and dropped off last obviously get a longer time away from home, but the actual walk lasts for one hour.
How many dogs do you take into your house or on your walks?	4-5 and one of my own. My dogs all have great recalls and know the games I play on walks, so bringing along one of my own helps teach the others the rules of the games easier.
Do you offer any activities for the pets in your care? For example Kong toys, search exercises, etc	I always have my chuckit with me when I walk, though am aware of certain dogs with a competitive streak so need to be careful when using it around some of my clients dogs. I also carry food treats and practice recalls during all walks. I may do 'down, wait's' with some dogs, with a big long run to catch up with me. As I always have one of my own dogs with me, they are used as demo and the others usually catch on very quickly to the games we're playing.
How many pets do you have yourself and what are they?	I have three dogs and four cats, all rescue. My border collie X was a hand reared puppy as was one of my cats. All are fantastic individuals, one in particular is a constant challenge and test on our will and patience, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
What are your hobbies?	Agilty, obedience and working trials. Hiking, reading and I enjoy theatre and cinema.
Is there anything that you would always recommend others to try?	Two things. Try changing their opinions on someone they have made their mind up about. Secondly, try neutering/spaying their animals. The first is slightly philosophical and the second comes from my time in rescue, seeing so much heart ache which could have been avoided if people would only control the population of dogs and cats.
Do you have dreams for the future?	To make it to Crufts in agility and to have a small cottage in the country with land enough for more animals.

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Sue McCabe @ Muttamorphosis

19 January 2007

Sue walks our cocker spaniel Archie twice weekly at the moment, we have known Sue for a while now staring with puppy socialisation classes, clicker training and more recently using her walking service.  Archie is a happy well adjusted boy, he is always pleased to see Sue and can't wait to get into the van to go for his walks.  Sue has an excellent way with dogs.  Moira Shorton

1 September 2006

Though this site and other people’s recommendations and experiences, I found Sue McCabe, who looks after my dog Taz while I am at work. Sue has an excellent and natural ability with animals and I was immediately reassured by my dog’s reaction to her when we first met. Now when I drop him off, he happily rushes through the front door to meet with his friends for a day of fun and games. My job demands a great deal of flexibility and Sue always manages to work things around in order for my dog to be kept looked after and safe while I am away. I hope my posting helps other dog owners to find excellent care for their dog and peace of mind for themselves as I have found with Sue. Magnolia Kannava

13 July 2006

Sue has been an absolute godsend! Ebs is a different dog, very settled, happy and more confident with other dogs since making friends with Sue and the other dogs she walks. I no longer feel guilt about leaving Ebs when I go to work as I know she gets an excellent walk every day. Sue is extremely professional and is excellent with the dogs. A service I cannot do without. sam clarkson

14 March 2006

I had complete confidence in Sue when she walked our two spaniels for a week recently. She took the time to come out with me before to find out how they behaved and the commands they were used to and generally get to know them. She is very professional but also obviously a great dog lover and my dogs loved her back! Sarah Bates

6 March 2006

Sue has made me feel happy about being at work during the day, my dog gets more exercise now than if I had been at home all day! Sue makes sure he has enough water and if I have any worries or queries Sue is more than happy to help. She is very professional and has a very special way with dogs. I would not hesitate to recommend her. Rachel Dryden

6 December 2005

I really cannot recommend Sue highly enough. She has been regularly walking my springer spaniel Jay for the last 9 months. She really is quite wonderful with dogs and her abilites as a dog trainer have not only ensured that she has wonderfully trained dogs my 12 year old dog (who is completly deaf) is now trained to respond to hand signals. It is such a help to know the dog gets not only regular walks but also lots of fuss and attention and comes back happy and exhausted! We were also fortunate enough to have her to look after jay while we were away and had absolute peace of mind about how she was being looked after. Valerie Vaughan

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